Hospitals operate around the clock, regardless of weather, renovations, or equipment upgrades. That means every system—especially heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)—must consistently perform to ensure patient safety, staff comfort, and compliance with strict health codes.
But what happens when that system needs maintenance or replacement during the hottest months of the year?
Summer HVAC shutdowns pose serious risks for hospitals: temperature spikes, compromised indoor air quality, humidity imbalances, and operational disruptions. Fortunately, REIC Specialty Rentals provides temporary climate control solutions designed specifically for healthcare environments—helping hospitals maintain safe, stable conditions during scheduled HVAC repairs, retrofits, or emergencies.
The Importance of Environmental Control in Healthcare Facilities
Temperature and humidity aren’t just comfort factors in a hospital—they are core elements of infection prevention, equipment reliability, and patient recovery.
ASHRAE and CDC guidelines require specific temperature ranges and relative humidity (RH) across different hospital areas. For example:
- Operating rooms must remain between 68–75°F with 30–60% RH
- Isolation wards require negative pressure and clean airflow
- ICUs and neonatal units demand precise control for vulnerable patients
- Pharmaceutical and vaccine storage areas must stay within tightly regulated ranges
Even short-term deviations during HVAC outages can have ripple effects across patient care, compliance audits, and infrastructure protection.
Summer HVAC Challenges in Hospital Settings
While summer is a preferred time for planned maintenance, it’s also when HVAC loads peak due to outside temperatures. During HVAC shutdowns—planned or unplanned—healthcare facilities can face:
Overheating & Thermal Discomfort
Without backup cooling, ambient temperatures in surgical areas, patient rooms, or administrative zones can climb rapidly—leading to discomfort, patient dissatisfaction, and staff fatigue.
Humidity Spikes
Uncontrolled humidity can compromise sterilization, encourage mold growth, and interfere with medical device functionality.
Poor Ventilation & Air Pressure Imbalances
Loss of airflow systems can disrupt pressurization zones, exposing sensitive environments like ORs or isolation rooms to airborne contaminants.
Increased Infection Risk
Hot, humid environments increase microbial activity. Without filtration and air exchange, the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can rise.
These risks are why hospitals increasingly rely on temporary climate control to maintain environmental integrity during system upgrades.
REIC Specialty Rentals: Climate Control for Healthcare Continuity
At REIC Specialty Rentals, we provide temporary heating, cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation systems tailored for sensitive environments like hospitals and healthcare facilities. Our equipment meets healthcare-grade requirements and is installed with patient safety, noise control, and infection prevention in mind.
Tailored Solutions for Hospital HVAC Projects
Whether your facility is replacing rooftop units, conducting phased renovations, or recovering from an emergency outage, REIC provides rapid-response systems to maintain stability across critical zones.
Portable Air Conditioning Systems
We supply DX cooling units, chillers, and portable air conditioners capable of managing large and small zones, including:
- Operating suites
- Patient rooms
- Lobbies and waiting areas
- Pharmacies and labs
- IT and imaging suites
Our systems are quiet, efficient, and easy to deploy, ensuring minimal disruption during use.
Dehumidification Units
Uncontrolled humidity can lead to:
- Mold on walls or ceilings
- Condensation near sensitive equipment
- Material degradation in pharmaceutical storage
- Increased pathogen survival rates
REIC offers desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers to stabilize indoor RH levels and prevent these hazards—especially during summer surges.
HEPA Filtration & Ventilation Systems
To meet Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines, we provide:
- Negative air machines for isolation or surgical zones
- HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to remove particulates
- Make-up air systems for balanced pressurization
This equipment ensures clean airflow and supports compliance with ASHRAE 170, CDC, and Joint Commission standards.
Temporary Power & Accessories
REIC also supplies power distribution units, cable ramps, and light towers to support temporary installations around the clock.
Scenario: Temporary Cooling for a Surgical Wing HVAC Retrofit
The Situation: A hospital in the Southeast plans a summer HVAC replacement for its surgical wing, including three active operating rooms and sterile storage areas. With temperatures expected to exceed 90°F, the hospital must maintain strict temperature, humidity, and air quality controls to avoid surgical disruptions and comply with ASHRAE 170 standards.
The REIC Response:
To mitigate the risks and keep the project on track, the hospital could engage REIC Specialty to deploy a temporary cooling solution, including:
- DX cooling units deployed and sized specifically for each operating room
- HEPA-filtered air movers installed to maintain clean air circulation and sterile conditions
- Integrated humidity control to keep relative humidity below 60% RH
- 24/7 monitoring and technical support to ensure continuous environmental compliance
The Outcome:
With REIC’s support, the hospital would maintain full surgical operations, protect patient safety, and complete the HVAC retrofit on schedule and without disruption.
Why Facility Teams Choose REIC
Healthcare-Grade Equipment
All REIC units are cleaned, sanitized, and tested before deployment to medical environments. We follow strict safety protocols and provide documentation to support infection control compliance.
Rapid Deployment
With 19 locations across North America and a network of expert technicians, REIC can mobilize quickly—even during urgent outages.
Customized Engineering Support
Our teams work closely with facility managers and mechanical contractors to:
- Assess air volume and temperature needs
- Plan ducting and airflow paths
- Integrate with hospital workflows
- Stage equipment with minimal patient disruption
- Scalable & Flexible Rentals
We scale solutions from single-room cooling to full-facility support to match your needs. Rentals can be short-term (days) or long-term (months), with full operational support.
When to Consider Temporary Climate Control in Hospitals
Hospitals should consider temporary climate control during HVAC upgrades, emergency outages, facility expansions, or renovations to maintain safe and compliant conditions. Temporary solutions are also essential during inspections or certifications when precise temperature and humidity control is required.
Additionally, when existing HVAC systems are overburdened—such as during summer heat waves—supplemental cooling ensures uninterrupted patient care, protects medical equipment, and supports staff comfort. Partnering with a trusted provider ensures seamless climate management during planned or unexpected disruptions.
Supporting Safety and Compliance Without Disruption
At REIC Specialty Rentals, we understand that hospitals can’t skip a beat. Every system must function—even during maintenance. Our climate control rentals are designed to preserve environmental conditions, protect patient health, and prevent schedule delays during HVAC transitions.
Whether you’re maintaining negative pressure in isolation rooms, cooling operating suites during rooftop unit replacements, or ensuring patient comfort in recovery rooms, REIC brings the equipment, expertise, and support to make it happen safely.
Keep Your Facility Cool and Compliant This Summer
Don’t let HVAC maintenance put your hospital’s performance at risk. With REIC as your climate partner, you gain peace of mind knowing you have a tested plan in place—delivered by specialists who understand the unique needs of healthcare.
Do you need support during an upcoming HVAC upgrade? Contact REIC Specialty Rentals today to request a quote for tailored healthcare-grade climate solutions.